Running A Successful Race!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.”

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win!”

Running is healthy but not one of the easiest tasks to carry out. Even with regular practice and constant training, a runner is still subjected to some level of tiredness and exhaustion. Dipping into facts, running a marathon will mean completing on an average about 42 kilometers, approximated to 26miles and this is certainly not a mission for the faint hearted. Intensity, tenacity, pace, determination, strength, tactics, sustainability and so many more qualities are needed in such a race and interestingly, records have it that people have successfully completed marathons on an average time of 4h 22mins for men and 4h 47mins for women according to running USA. But then can we say the runners feel they have ran a successful race in their best time because they won or because they didn’t give up and saw it till the end even if they came last?

For sure, it takes hard work, good hours of training, sound regular sleep, healthy eating and determination to attain fitness and be in a good position to compete in races and an individual is only classed as successful upon completion of the race. Bear in mind that not all athletes race for the prize, some do it for self-attainment or for charitable purposes and the point in which they cross the finished line still means success for them even without the Gold, Silver and Bronze. These rewards might be awarded to the top three naturally, but when it comes to the Kingdom of God and the race of faith, everyone who crosses the finished line remaining in Christ gets awarded the Kingdom prize, which is everlasting life.

The race of faith is that which we run with the intention of winning in Christ and gaining an everlasting place in heaven; a place where the trinity resides, a place which when Christ ascended into heaven went to prepare for us so where he is, we can also be. We dwell on the word of God daily to strengthen ourselves sand build endurance. In doing this, we focus on Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, the only one capable of loading us daily with the strength, grace, endurance and ability needed to complete the journey set before us. Hebrew 12:1-2. All the strategy, tactics, pace needed are found in His word and with the help of the holy spirit.

Without doubt, there is a journey ahead of us all which we must run to the end. Our attitude towards it signposts if we are determined to win or lose. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail and a race you do not prepare for, put effort into, or count as important can never be won. For the kingdom race, there is no point being in it if not to win it. A race which one takes with levity and just runs when convenient is not a winnable race As Christians we are to work hard towards our salvation, laying aside everything in terms of weight that weighs us down preventing a smooth race and sin that derails us, changing our focus and slowing us down. These things make the journey unbearable; the lighter a runner is, the easier it is to run that race.

Jesus has made us light weight runners by taking off the burden of sin. when we look unto Jesus constantly, we are taking off the Burden that could make the day’s race a difficult one. I encourage us to run it daily as if it’s the last lap. We need to remain focused, determined and aspirant to see it to the end, We will not loose our crowns in Jesus name. Amen.

This question remains; “Are you just in the race or in it to win it?” Remember there’s a prize for all winners and you need to face your own lap and not look at others to run yours. It is an endurance journey, a narrow path. Do Not Give Up Before The Finished Line.

Prayers:

· Father, thank You for your wonderful works and power

· Thank you for setting me apart and calling me out of darkness into light

· I receive the power not to conform to the world but be transformed through your word

· Help me to live for you and run the race till the end.

· At the End, Father let me reign with you in Heaven.

· Thank you, Lord for answers to prayers, in Jesus Name I pray. Amen,

Have a productive day and remain blessed.

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